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Price Starting From

$2450 (USD)

Departure dates 2020

All trips start and finish in Kathmandu

March 21st to April 6th

November 14th to November 30th

EBC - the challenge

Over 8000m ascent

124km hiking

13 days in the highest mountains on earth

Icy nights, strong sun, dry winds & dust

High swinging bridges over raging rivers

Glaciers, crags & rocky moonscapes

EBC - the wonders

Trains of shaggy yaks

Incredible porters

A warm Sherpa welcome -our homeland

Pine forests, rhododendron blooms

Blue skies, crystal clear water

Shining stupas, fluttering prayer flags

Smiles & laughter - playful days

Incredible, majestic peaks

Breathtaking views in every direction

Everest - mother goddess of the world

Making a difference

As you raise funds for your favourite charity, we also give back here in Nepal. Part of your trip fees are used to help local women and children We support through the Pasang Lamu Foundation.

The journey through the Sherpa homelands to the base of Everest and the shining spires of the Khumbu ice fall thoroughly deserves its moniker of one the world’s greatest treks. Not to be undertaken lightly this trek rewards with incredible scenery, rich and diverse cultural landscapes and of course Sagarmartha Mother Goddess of the Earth herself. Let us take you on a journey through the land of our ancestors – it will change your world!

This trip is set up for groups – you get together with your friends, colleagues etc, let us know when you want to go and we create the trip exclusively for you (it’s not open to the public). Our previous groups have typically had one or two people doing the organising and promoting within their company or friend circle. We can help you with promotion, info and ideas for fundraising – just ask.

Everest Base Camp Charity Trek 2020 - Essentials

Trek Itinerary

Note: figures for daily ascent and descent are approximate (all GPS devices vary so we’ve taken an average)

Distance (km) per day is not really a helpful indicator of how hard or easy the day is – altitude and Asia change everything! We include it here because we know some people like numbers :)

Day 1:

Welcome to Kathmandu! You’ll be met at the airport by our transport team and brought to the group hotel. We all meet at the group hotel around 4pm for the trip briefing then move on for drinks and dinner. (B)

Day 2:

Fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2680m). Take the short mountain flight to Lukla (2,680m). Descending through the rhododendrons we follow the Dudh Khosi river to Phakding where we’ll stay for the night. Around 3-4 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 3:

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Criss-crossing glacial river our trail takes us to Monjo and the gateway to Sagarmartha National Park. After passing through the Gateway, down to the village of Jorsale we leave the river side and head steadily uphill through the pine forests to emerge at the high mountain town of Namche Bazaar. 5 to 6 hrs’ trekking. (BLD)

Day 4:

Around Namche and on to Kyangjuma (3600m): a day to acclimatise. We make a late start and head slowly up to a fabulous view point to absorb the splendour of Everest and the majestic peaks around then descend through the pretty villages of Kumjung and Khunde to our good friend Tashi’s lodge at Kyangjuma. 3-4 hours trekking (BLD)

Day 5:

Trek to Phortse (3810m). Another short-ish day to help us acclimatise. After a brew on the sunny terrace we start our day with a short climb to attain the Mon La. From the pass we zig zag down through pine forests to the burbling river at Phortse Tenga. There’s a short climb up the other banks to the sprawling hamlet of Phortse. Time to relax and explore in the afternoon. 3-4 hours trekking (BLD).

Day 6:

Trek Phortse to Dingboche (4410m): the morning involves what, in our opinion, is one of the most spectacular trails in the region – a small route that picks its way around rock spurs traversing high above the valley floor. This is the quieter side of Everest far from the madding crowds below. We reach the beautiful monastic settlement of Pangboche then around to Shomare for lunch. Very different from the morning we are now on the wide rounded slopes of the lower valley gently ascending to Orsho before crossing the river and a final up to the vibrant village of Dingboche and our lodge. Around 6-7 hours trekking (BLD).

Day 7:

Acclimatisation day Dingboche (4410m): to help our adjustment to the ever increasing altitude we spend two nights at the same sleep height. So today is free for a morning walk up the Imja khola valley towards Chukkung and the glittering folds of glacier visible opposite (BLD).

Day 8:

Trek to Thugla (4620m): Short hiketoday as weapproach Everest Base Camp. today's walk offers beautiful view of the Mt. Taweche, AmaDablam, and to the north Pokalde 5,741m, Kongma-tse 5,820m and the great wall of Nuptse. After a pleasant walk of 1 1/2 to 2 hours the trail from Pheriche joins Thugla (BLD).

Day 9:

Trek to Lobuche/Pyramid (4910m): From Thugla, an hour steep up brings you to the top, where you can view Mt. Pumori, as well as the other peaks west of Everest. This is an ideal spot and good place for a few minutes break after the strenuous climb, close to this spot you can also see a number of memorials of the climbers who have perished and died in expeditions around the mountain of this region (BLD).

Day 10:

Trek to EBC back to Lobuche/Pyramid (4910m): Earlymorningwe star our trek to the Everest Base Camp. Congratulations, you made it!If you have the energyyoucanclimb 30 minutes up onto the shoulder f KalaPatar. Back to Lobuche/Pyramid (BLD).

Day 11:

Pangboche (3985m): The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation; from Loboche the walk is same all the way to Thugla. After the bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pheriche valley (BLD).

Day 12:

Trek to Kyangjuma (3600m): moving steadily back down the valley, this time crossing the Khumburiver and ascending through the rhododendron glades to Deboche and Tengboche and the shining monastery. We now descend to PhunkiTenga. Re-crossing the river we have a last sustained pull back up to Kyangjuma (and Tashi’s fabulous apple pie!). Around 6-7 hours trekking (BLD).

Day 13:

Trek toMonjo (2835m): an hour’s easy stroll along to Namche and a chance to explore the bazaars and pick up some souvenirs. We then say goodbye to the high mountains dropping back into the warmth of the DudhKhosi to Monjo (BLD)

Day 14:

Trek to Lukla (2860m): Our last day in the mountains. We enjoy the green trails, through pine and rhododendron blooms along the river with a cheeky last few hours steadily climbing uphill back to Lukla and a celebratory evening as we say goodbye to our fabulous trek crew (2,850m). 3-4 hrs trekking (BLD).

Day 15:

A short flight back to Kathmandu. Check in at our hotel. Free afternoon then dinner at one of the city’s restaurants (B).

Day 16:

A half day of sightseeing and visit to our partner NGO to find out more about their good work. There’s some time to shop, relax at a spa or explore on your own. (B).

Day 17:

Departure from Kathmandu. We transfer you to the international airport (B).

Price Includes

Price Includes

All prices quoted in US Dollar

For groups of 8 to 11 people: USD 2600 pp on a twin sharing basis

For groups of 12 to 14 people: USD 2450 pp on a twin sharing basis

Prefer your own room?

Single rooms in the group hotel are an additional $25 pp per night

We cannot guarantee single rooms in the trek lodges, but will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Lodge room single supplement is an additional$10per night. Pay this at the end of your trip.

Extra nights

A night pre-trip or post-trip in the group hotel costs $60 per single room or $70 for a twin or double room on a B&B basis.

Extend your stay

There are many wonderful places to visit and things to do in Nepal if you have a few days free at the end of your stay.

Our most popular request is for some chill out time by the lake at Pokhara.

A three night extension to Pokhara driving out from Kathmandu and flying back with 3 nights B&B at a 3 star hotel costs USD $415 pp (Price based on minimum 2 people)

What’s included?

This is a fully inclusive trip package. We want you to feel secure that there’ll be no hidden charges or crazy expenses on trek. Many companies offer trips without meals, drinking water and essential equipment in the core price. Their clients can end up spending a small fortune on trek - the Khumbu is an expensive area and many can be taken by surprise. At Thamserku we use our local knowledge and buying power to keep prices reasonable. Hence our price includes all meals and drinking water on trek, plus sleeping bags and down jackets. Leaving you free to focus on your fundraising!

New from autumn 2017 season we are delighted to be able to offer you full financial protection for the trip through our wonderful new partners Travel Producer. Travel Producer are a UK registered agency and have ABTA and ATOL licensing. They are also providing Public Liability and Supplier Failure insurances for this trip meaning you can travel with even greater peace of mind.

*except at Gorak Shep. The water is unsafe here so we ask you to buy mineral water

We provide the following items on loan (to be returned to us at the end of the trek)

4 season down sleeping bag & liner

Duffel bag

4 season Down jacket

Let us know which of the above you need and your size and we will have them ready for you on arrival.

What’s not included?

International flights

travel insurance (including helicopter evacuation) – MANDATORY

Nepal visa ($40 for 30 days – 2017 price)

tips for staff (approx. $70 per group member)

personal equipment and gear

other personal expenses on trip (bring around $200 in CASH for random trek items)

drinks and meals in Kathmandu

soft drinks and alcoholic drinks on trek

additional portions / menu items beyond the group menu on trek

In addition to the above we advise you carry around $300 in hard currency (USD, Euro or GBP) as contingency / just-in-case circumstances on trek. Cash is king in the mountains.

How to Book

To ensure your trekking holiday is right for you and in the interest of keeping a balance in the group we have a four step booking system:

Complete the online booking form. Each person joining the trip must complete a booking form.

To secure this with a deposit of £500 per person. Send your payment to Travel Producer as soon as possible using this link.

Confirmation – we’ll send each of you confirmation of receipt of your booking form. We’ll also confirm receipt of the deposit payment to the group organiser once it lands in our account.

We’ll send more detailed joining information at this point, gear list and some tips on how to best prepare. We’ll arrange a call with you / the group to answer any questions and provide more info.

Four weeks before departure complete the Confirmation Form to tell us about your insurance package; your flights; any health issues; dietary requirements and any other info you think we should know about in order to ensure your well-being and comfort on the trip.

Balance of payment: send the balance of payment in full at the latest four weeks before your departure date.

Clients without adequate insurance will not be allowed to join the trip. To book your insurance please click here.

We run this trip with a minimum of eight people. The trip is guaranteed to run when we have deposits from at least 8 people and booking forms from each person.

Please DO NOT book international flights until we have confirmed receipt of deposit and the trip is running.

Price scale

We are happy to pass on cost savings to you as the group gets bigger. The trip price of USD$2250 per person for a group of 12- 14 people is available up until four weeks before the trip departure date.

Anyone joining the trip after this date will be charged the same fee as all clients previously booked.

Cancellations

If for any reason you need to cancel please contact us.

What's it like?

What’s it like?

A Typical Day on the Everest Base Camp trek

We tend to wake up early to get out on the trail whilst the air is fresh. We’ll come round and give you a friendly shout if you need. Pack your bags and get ready for the day then join the group for a hearty breakfast. The porters will arrive as you’re breakfasting to carry your trek bag up to our next overnight stop. We’ll walk for an hour or so before taking a break and of course there are lots of wonderful views, people and interesting things and photo opp stops along the way too.

We usually take a lunch along the route then continue on the trail to reach our next lodge so you have time enough to relax for a while. We re-group again for drinks around the fire.

We finish the day with a good meal – usually soup, followed by a tasty local dish and lots of hot drinks. We tend to drift off to bed fairly early although a quick peak outside at the night sky, particularly higher up where the heavens are really ablaze with stars, can be a late night treat before sleep.

What’s the food like?

Meal on trek are simple but tasty with a mix of Nepali and Western style dishes. Lower down the valley people grow their own vegetables so fresh greens, carrots and tomatoes are popular. All food in the area has to be grown locally or carried in by porter. The Khumbu is a Buddhist region hence no animals are killed there. This means any meat on menus has been flown / driven and then portered in over many days. We therefore tend to go with a vegetarian menu on trek.

Dhal bhaat is the national dish – most Nepalese eat this twice a day everyday. It’s rice (bhaat), dhal (a thick lentil soup), tarkari (curried vegetables) and achar (spicy pickle). Sometimes its served with papad and dahi (curd).

Momos are also really popular. They are a kind of dim-sum or dumpling. Usually stuffed with veg or chicken or buff (buffalo meat – cows are sacred so you won’t find beef on the menu)

What’s the weather like?

As with many areas of the planet, weather patterns are changing quite significantly.

Spring

The weather in March, April and early May is characterized by clear skies and warm mornings with clouds rolling in and maybe some precipitation and storms in the afternoon. Conditions clear overnight usually.

Depending on when exactly the monsoon finishes October should have relatively stable weather and is generally dry. The last few years have seen late monsoon and some very wet conditions. November is usually characterized by blue skies and crisp, sunny days.

December is much like November – stable, clear conditions. The day time temps are a little lower but walking in a light fleece or even down to T-shirts is perfectly possible certainly on the lower sections. Night times can be bitterly cold outside though.

Practicalities

Insurance:

It is essential that you have appropriate travel insurance for this trip. Make sure your insurance includes helicopter rescue and evacuation. Clients without adequate insurance will not be allowed to join the trip. Please contact Travel Producer for quotes and information.

In case of emergency your trip leaders will contact our office in Kathmandu. They will then contact your insurer to ask for pre-authorisation for any evacuation and treatment. Where possible we will ask you to contact the insurer directly. Usually insurers ask you to cover the costs upfront and then claim back for this. Some insurers will guarantee payment, some not. Be aware that helicopter evacuation can cost up to $5000 and must be paid before you leave Nepal.

Trekking equipment and gear:

We’ll provide you with a complete gear list for trekking in the Himalaya when you book. There’s also lots of info on our website. Much of the trekking gear you’ll need can be purchased in Kathmandu before your trip, but you should allow extra time for this.

Nepal country information and visas:

For European, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand visitors you can either purchase a visa in advance from the Nepalese Embassy in your home country of buy one on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu. A 30 day visa currently costs $40pp payable in USD or Nepali Rupees. You’ll need a passport photograph and to complete the online booking form less than 15 days before you come http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/

You can take power banks, laptops, iPad or any device with battery as long as it is in your hand baggage. No battery devices including power banks are permitted in check-in baggage.

Most nationalities can get either a 15 or 30 days visa when arriving into Nepal either by flight or overland. However, if you apply in your home country for a Nepali tourist visa you can avoid the queues (these queues are often very long) at the Kathmandu International airport.

Money:

On trek you’ll need approximately $250 in Nepali Rupees for miscellaneous expenses (approx. £180-200) and tips for the porters and staff (approx. $70pp).

It is not possible to obtain Nepalese rupees outside of Nepal. We suggest you use one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. There are ATMs all across Kathmandu where you can safely withdraw local currency, but you MUST inform your bank beforehand.

We also recommend you carry some additional hard currency with you ‘just in case’ – around $300 or equivalent.

In case of domestic flight cancellation

Please be aware that flying into mountains with unpredictable weather conditions can sometimes lead to flight delays or changes. Our agents always endeavour to make sure you reach your destination on time and will re-arrange your ticket to the next available flight. When encountering severe delays this may mean changing the trek itinerary or your international flights.

Who are Blue Sheep?

Blue Sheep is a brand of the Thamserku group. Thamserku have been operating for over 28 years and are one of Nepal’s biggest and most respected operators. We have been working with international tour operators and clients since our founding days and have excellent relationships with agents in the UK, France, Spain, Germany and many other countries beyond. We and our sister group have the following companies:

Porter welfare

Nepal is a country where carrying is part of the traditional way of life and in the mountain areas it is also an important source of income for families. Trek porters are well-respected and also well represented by local unions. All the porters we employ are paid at nationally agreed rates, properly equipped and trained (in health and safety, basic medicine etc). In addition YMH porters have access to the Pasang Lamu Foundation Hospital at Lukla (supported by Thamserku).

Responsible Tourism

As Sherpa people we have a great desire to protect our environment as ‘Guardians of the Himalayas’ while encouraging tourists to explore our wonderful world.

We’ll help ensure that your visit will have a positive impact on local communities, and which will very much add to your experience.

We aim to employ directly from the places where we work whether this is porters, guides or staff for our own lodges.

Perhaps our largest contribution goes to the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation established in 1993. Pasang Lamu Sherpa was the first woman to summit Mount Everest although tragically she died on the descent. She holds a very dear place within our hearts here at Thamserku. The Foundation supports women and children’s development and education through training, school placements, sponsorship and much more besides. We have rebuilt 5 schools since the earthquake and currently support a hostel for blind children.

Since the earthquake we have also formed the Yeti Foundation – a collaborative effort by all of our group we kick-started with a $40,000 donation http://yetifoundation.org/